Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that is focused on increasing the visual aesthetics of your smile in addition to improving your dental health. By combining the science of dentistry with the beauty of aesthetics, cosmetic dentistry offers treatments that yield beautiful and healthy smiles. There are many different types of cosmetic dental treatments available, and you can either improve a single imperfect tooth or your entire smile.

Cosmetic dental treatments include:

• • Composite bonding: composite resin is used to repair structural defects or to improve the color of your teeth.

• • Composite fillings: composite resin is used to discreetly fill in small to medium areas of dental decay.

• • Dental crowns & bridges: crowns are caps that fit over your tooth to protect it from damage or decay, and bridges are a series of crowns placed over gaps left by missing teeth and the adjacent teeth.

• • Dental implants: implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed in the jawbone. They fuse with the surrounding bone and act as an anchor for a dental crown.

• • Inlays & Onlays: Inlays is a large filling on the chewing surface of your molars, and Onlays are large fillings on the chewing surface and one or more cusps (points) of your tooth.

• • Teeth Whitening: a specialized procedure that can remove years of stains from your teeth.
  • Veneers: Thin, porcelain or composite resin shells that are adhered to the front of your teeth to correct size, shape, spacing, and color.

Did You Know?

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. In fact, a recent study has found that women with great smiles were rated as being more attractive than women will full makeup on, proving that a smile can be one of your greatest assets.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Am I a candidate for cosmetic dental services?

You may be a candidate for cosmetic dental services if you wish to improve the aesthetics of your smile. Cosmetic dentistry can correct the following dental imperfections:

• • Discolored teeth

• • Gapped teeth

• • Crooked teeth

• • Chipped or cracked teeth

• • Irregularly shaped teeth

• • Improperly sized or uneven teeth
  • Missing teeth

Often times, there can be a slight overlap between restorative and cosmetic dental services. If you are in need of restorative dental services, you may also be a candidate for cosmetic dental services. To find out if cosmetic dental services are right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Claudia Wood of Danforth Dental Solutions today!

How do I know which cosmetic dental service to choose?

To help you decide on a cosmetic dental service, Dr. Wood will perform an oral exam, take dental x-rays, and ask you about your treatment goals. Then, she will make treatment recommendations for you. To help her help you decide on a cosmetic dental treatment, you will want to consider the following questions prior to your appointment:

• • What is my budget?

• • Am I willing to alter the natural surface of my teeth?

• • Am I looking for a permanent or temporary solution?

• • How long am I willing to communicate to treatment and maintenance?

• • Am I happy with the size and shape of my teeth?

• • Am I happy with the color of my teeth?

• • Am I happy with the spacing and alignment of my teeth?

• • If I could change one thing about my smile, what would that be?
  • Do I have decayed, damaged, or missing teeth?

What can I expect when undergoing cosmetic dental treatment at Danforth Dental Solutions?

For all of our cosmetic dental treatments, Dr. Wood will make sure that you have all the necessary information prior to making any decisions regarding your treatments. With that being said, your exact expectations for cosmetic dental treatments will depend upon the type of treatment you choose.

Certain cosmetic dental treatments, such as teeth whitening or dental bonding, can be completed in a single dental appointment, are minimally invasive, and require no downtime. However, other cosmetic dental treatments, such as dental implants, require a more invasive form of treatment that requires multiple appointments and recovery time. This is why it is important to consider your level of commitment to cosmetic dental treatment.

What should I expect after undergoing cosmetic dental treatment at Danforth Dental Solutions?

Just as your individual expectations for cosmetic dental treatment will depend upon the type of treatment you select, the aftercare will also depend upon the type of treatment you choose. Some cosmetic dental treatments don’t require aftercare, while others may have extensive guidelines to follow. Any aftercare will be discussed with you prior to completing the treatment. In general, possible aftercare can include:

• • Keeping the affected area clean and free of debris

• • Taking any and all medications as directed

• • Temporary diet modifications (soft foods diet)
  • Altering your activities

How long does cosmetic dental treatment last?

How long your cosmetic dental treatment lasts will depend on the type of cosmetic dental treatment you’ve selected. Some cosmetic dental treatments are intended to be temporary solutions and will have shorter lifespans. For example, teeth whitening can last about six months to a couple years, while composite bonding can last up to five years. Other cosmetic dental treatments are permanent, but will require replacements eventually. For example, veneers can last about ten years, and dental implants can last about 10-20 years.

How much does cosmetic dental treatment cost?

The final cost of your cosmetic dental treatment will depend upon:

• • Type of treatment (temporary vs. permanent)

• • Extent of treatment (single tooth vs. entire mouth)
  • Location in your mouth (front vs. back)

Because there is such a wide variety of cosmetic dental treatments, you are likely to find a treatment that meets your budget. Some cosmetic dental treatments are more affordable than others. Also if you have dental insurance, you may be able to obtain partial coverage for cosmetic dental treatments that may also fall under the category of restorative dental, such as composite fillings. Our office staff at Danforth Dental Solutions will help you determine your level of coverage and do everything we can to give you the smile of your dreams.

For dedicated and caring dental care, schedule a consultation with Dr. Claudia Wood of Danforth Dental Solutions. Danforth Dental Solutions is proud to serve Toronto and the surrounding areas.